This Friday sees the start of the 2026 Big Butterfly count. Taking place from Friday, 17th July to Sunday, 9th August it only requires 15 minutes of your time to get involved.
2025 saw more than 125,000 people take part and recording around 1.7 million butterflies and day-flying moths in the process. The most commonly record species were; large white, small white, gatekeeper, red admiral and meadow brown.
Why bother?
Launched in 2010 the Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey that helps assess the health of our environment.
Butterflies are more than just beautiful—they’re vital pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Their numbers have fallen dramatically since the 1970s, making them a key warning sign for the health of nature. By counting butterflies, you’re helping scientists monitor biodiversity and protect wildlife for the future. Every count makes a difference.
Taking part is very easy, involving just three steps.
Step 1. Download the butterfly ID chart or free app ready to help with identification.
Step 2. Choose a place to spot butterflies and moths and watch for 15 minutes. It could be your garden, a local park or green space or somewhere on the hills. Then record which species you see.
Step 3. Add your sightings to the Big Butterfly Count website or via the app and have look at the interactive map to see how your data is contributing to conservation science and research.
Take part
To find all the details, download the identification sheet or app and to view the interactive map visit click on the button below